Tube and flue expander



Aug. 14, 192s.

G. wlEDr-:KE

TUBE AND FLUE EXPANDER Filed Nov.' 29, 1926 //V VEA/TUR wir Patented Aug. 14, 1928.

. UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicEgV GUSTAV WIEDEKE, OF DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR T0 GUSTAV WIEDEKE ADAYTON, OHIO, A FIRM.

COMPANY, OF

TUBE AND FLUE EXPANDER.

'Application filed November 29, 1826. Serial No.v 151,383. i

This invention relates to tube and flue expanders and While `designed primarily for use in connectlon With boiler tubes and boiler lues it is not limitedy to such use and the term tube as herein used is intended to include any tubular member to which the device may be applied.

On'e object of the invention is to provide 'a device of this kind which Will automatically position the tube with relation to the tube sheetV and which may be adjusted to cause the tube to extend the desireddistance beyond the tube sheet.

VAl further object of theV invention. ist-o provide such a device in which the tube positioning means Will not interfere with the radial movement of theexpanding rollers and 'a maximum expansion may be had.

Afurther object of the invention is to provide such a device having cooperating adjustable members whereby the positions of the expanding rollers with relation to the tube sheet will be controlled and t-he position of the tube With relation to the tube r sheet may be controlled.

0ther objects of theinvention ivillappear as "the device is described in detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a side `elevation 'of a tube expander embodying my invention, With the mandrel partly broken aivay; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of such a tube expander; Fig. 3 is a transverse `sectionalview taken on the line 3`3 of Fig. 2.; Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional viewf'taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2; andFigisa sectional detail View showing one offthe expanding rollers in its extended position;

In these drawings I have lillustrated one embodiment of -my vinvention and have shown the same as applied to a boiler tube 10 mounted in atube sheet 11. In that embodiment of the invention here illustrated the expander comprises a frame or body portion 12 the inner portion of which is adapt# ed to extend into the tube which is to'be expanded and is provided with a series of radial slots 13 in each of Which is mounted a roller 14, these rollers being capable of radial movement in the slots and being actuated by the usual tapered mandrel, which extends through a bore 16 extending vfor the full length of the frame. f The slots preferably extend at a. slight angle to the axis vof the frame for a purpose which `will hereinafter appeal'. p

The rollers may be confined Within the slots in'any suitable `manner but, in )the present instance, the slots are constricted at their outer edges, as shown at 17, to limit the outward movement of t-he rollers and a retaining device orcage is inserted in the inner portion of the bore to limit the inward movement of the rollers. The inner portion of the bore 16 is enlarged toreceive "the retaining device which comprises a tubular end portion 18 seated in the inner end of Vthe bore and having a series of fingers 19 extending lengthwise of the borebetvveen the several rollers and spaced apart distances lessfthan the diameter of the rollers, as

shown in F 3, thus limiting the inward movement of the rollers When the mandrel has been Withdrawn. The retaining device is held in place by means of a screw 20. The

outer portion of the frame 12 is of a reduced diameter and has mounted thereon a head 2l which is preferably adjustable axnormally against rotation thereon by means of a set screw 22 `which extends into a loniallyof the frame and Whiclnin the present instance, is screwr threadedV onto the reduced portion or shank ofthe frame and is heldl` gitudinal groove 23 inthe outer threadedk surface ofthe shank. The screwv merely serves to prevent Vthe rotation of the head with relation to the shaft and is not subjecte'd to any strain or thrust which may be imposed upon the head. The inner portion 'of the head is of reduceddiameter andl is provided with a circumferential bearing `surface24- The enlarged outer portion of the head forms a shoulder 25 at the outer end of the v bearing surface 24.-y Rotatably mounted onthe bearing surface 24 ofthe head is a collar 26 which is so arranged that its innerend will abut against the outer-end ofthe tube 10. The outward axial movement of the collar 26 is limited by the shoul der 25 on the head and preferably a suitable "bearing is interposed between the shoulder and the outer end of the collar, thisbearing being here shown as aplain bronze bearing 27. They collar is retained on vthe head by means of a set screw 2S extending through thesame 'andseated in a groove 29 arranged Circumferentially Vof the bearing surface 24. This groove is of such a width with relation loo to the set sci'ew that the collar may have sullicieiit axial movement to cause it to abut against the bearing E27 and thus relieve the screw of all thrust or strain. Mounted on and rigidly secured to t-lie collar 26 is a guard 230 having inwardly projecting portions Zll arranged to engage the outer tace ot the tube sheet ll. rlhis guard is adjustable with relation to the collar but is held normally against all movement with relation thereto; Preferably the collar is provided with external screw threads and the guard with internal screw threads whereby the guard may be adjusted to various positions with relation to the collar. The guard is retained in its adjusted positions on the collar by means ot set screws 32 which extend into the longitudinal grooves 33 'formed in the outer threaded surface ol'A the collar, the arrangement being such that the set vscrews will not he subjected to strain or rwear, as all thrust will be imposed upon the threaded connection between the guard and the collar.

lV'nen a tube is to be expanded the guard 30 first adjusted with relation to the collar QG to 'ause the inner end oi the guard to be spaced from the inner end ot the collar 'a distance equal to the distance the tube is to project beyond this tube sheet. The inner portion ot the traine is then inserted in the tube and moved inwardly until the guard contacts with the tube sheet. It the end of the tube extends beyond the tube sheet a greater distance than that for which the expander is set the contact of the collar with the end ot `the tube will cause the tube to be ioiced inwardly until the guard engages the tube sheet and the tube is in proper position. 'l`lie mandrel is then actuated in the usual manner to rotate the traine and force the expanding rollers radially outward. Because ot the inclined positions ot the rollers with relation to the axis ot the traine these rollers tend to draw the mandrel and the traine inwardly and the movement of the traine being limited by the contact of the .guard with the tube sheet this action of the rollers will tend to move the tube outwardly. Therefore. il the tube does not project the desired distance beyond the tube sheet it will automatically move outwardly until it contacts with the collar. The guard, collar and tube are held stationary and the frame and li fad 2l rotate with relation thereto and this rotation of the trame and the gradual inward movement ot the tapered mandrel causes the rollers to move outwardly to expand the tube, as shown in Fig. 3. The inner corners ot' the rollers are curved about a relatively long radius, as shown at 34, thus causingl a gradual expansion of the tube at the inner ends of the rollers and avoiding a sharp shoulder or break in the tube atthis point. The outer ends of the rollers have substantially sharp corners which preferably extend substantially to the end of the tube so that the tube will be expanded to the full end thereof, thus avoiding the tendency of the tube to crack as will sometimes happen if it is not expanded to the full end thereof. It will be noted thatl the inner end of the rotatable collar QG lies just beyond the outer ends ot the rollers so that the collar is out ot the paths ot the rollers and will not in any way interfere with the radial movement thereof, thereby permitting the rollers to be moved to the full limit of their outward movement and a `lull expansion to be had,A

the ends ot the rollers overlapping the end of the collar when in their fully extended positions, as shown in Fig. 3. 'lhe present ai'rangeiiicnt is such that the rollers may be expanded to a diameter substantially equal to the diameter ot the opening in the tube sheet in which the tube is mounted, thus enabling; the expander to be used for the purpose ot removing hurrs from those openings. By adjusting the head 21 on the shank oitl the `traine the position of the expanding rollers with relation to the tube sheet may be controlled and by then adjusting the guard 3() with relation to the collar Q6 the length of tube which projects beyond the tube sheet may be controlled. I'he head 2l is reversible on the shank so that it may be mounted thereon with the enlarged portion tliereot' arranged in position to contact with the end ot the tube, this being desirable under certain conditions. l

While I have shown and described olie embodiment of my invention I wishy it to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the details thereof as various niodilications may occur to a peison skilled in the ait.

Having now lully described my invention, what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. In a device tor expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for' actuating the saine, a frame having' slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore. to receive said mandrel7 a guard supported by and rotatable about the outer portion of said traine and arranged to engage the tube sheet. and means controlled by the normal operation of said device lor positioningr the tube with relation to the tube sheet, said means com prising apart adjustable with relation to vsaid guard to determine the position of said tube.

2. ln a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the saine, a frame havinfr slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive said mandrel, a guard supported by and rotatable about the outer portion of said frame and arranged to engage the tube sheet and a lill y' part rigidly and adjustably connected with said guard, spaced from the inner end thereof and arranged to engage the end of the tube, said expanding rollers being arranged to exert an outward pressure on said tube when they are actuated by said mandrel.

3. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a frame having slots to receive lsaid rollers and having a longitudinal 'bore toreceive said mandrel, a tube engaging member supported by and rotatable about the outer portion of said frame, and a guard carried by Said tube engaging member and arranged to A,

engage the tube sheet; Y

4. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet `and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a frame having slots arranged at an angle to the axis thereof to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive said mandrel, a tube engaging member supported by and rotatable about the outer portion of ASaid frame, and a guard adjustably mounte-d on said tube engaging member and arranged to engage vsaid tube sheet.A

5. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheetv and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel `for actuating the same, a frame having slots arranged at an angle t0 the axis thereof to `receive said rollers and having a longitudinalbore to receive said mandrel, a tube engaging member supported by androtatable about the Outer portion of said frame, and a guard carried by and having screw threaded engagement With the tube engaging member, and means for holding said guard and said tube engaging member normally against relative movement.

6. In a device for expanding a tube iii a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel `for actuating the same, a frame having slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive said mandrel, said frame having near its outer end a part having a circumferential bearing surface, a collar rotatably mounted on said bearingsurface and arranged to engage tlie end of a tube, and a guard secured to said collar and arranged to engage the tube sheet.

7. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a frame having slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal boreV to receive said mandrel, said frame having near its outer end a part having a circumferential bearing surface, a collar rotatably mounted on said bearing surface and arranged to engagethe end of the tube, and a guard rigidly but adjustably mounted on said collar and arranged to engage said tube sheet.

8. In a device for `expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a

frame having slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive saidmandrel, a head carried by the outer portion of said frame and having a circumferential bearing surface, a collar rotatably mounted on said bearing lsurface and-.arranged to engage the end of said tube, said head also having a shoulder to limit the axial movement of said collar in one direction, and a guard carried by said collar and arranged toengage said tube sheet. r

. 9.' In a device 'for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel 'for actuating the same, a frame having slotsto receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore toreceive said mandrel, a head carried by the outer portion of said frame and having a circun'iferential bearing surface, :i collarl rotatably mounted 'onsaid bearing surface andarranged to ening adjustable, axially of said collar to vary the distance between said collar and said tube sheet. Y l

l0. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a frame havingslots to rece-ive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive said mandrel, a head carried by the outer portion of said trame and having a circumferential bearing surface, a collar rotatably mounted on said bearing surtace and arranged to engage tlie end of said tube, and having external screw threads, a guard having internal screw threads to vcooperate with the threads on said collar and arranged to engage said tube sheet, and a thrust bearing carried by said head and engaging the outer end of said collar.

11. In a device for expanding a tube in atube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a frame having slots to receive said rollers and l (lli having a longitudinalV bore to'receive said l mandrel, a head carried by the outer portion of said frameand having its outer portion of greater diameter than its inner portion to form a shoulder thereon, the inner portion of said head having a circumferential groove, a collar rotatably mounted on the inner Vportion of said head and arranged to engage the end of the tube, a screiv mounted in said collar and extending into said groove, a bearing interposed between said collar and thc shoulder on said head, and a guard rigidly but adjustably mounted on slaid collarand arranged to engage the tube s ieet.

12. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a irame having slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive said mandrel, a head carried by the outer portion of said trame and having its outer portion of greater diameter than its inner portion to i'orin ay shoulder thereon, the inner portion of said head having a circumferential groove, a collar rotatably mounted on the inner portion of said head and arranged to engage the end ofthe tube, a screw mounted in said collar and extending into said groove, a bearing interposed bctween said collar and the shoulder on said head,` said collar having external screw threads and having a longitudi al groove in the threaded surface thereof, a guard screw threaded onto said collar and arranged to engage the tube sheet, and a set screw mounted in said guard and extending into the groove in said collar to hold said guard in its adjusted position With relation to said collar.

13. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel for actuating the same, a trame having slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive said mandrel, a head carried by the outer portion of said frame and having a circumferential bearing portion, a collar rotatably mount-ed on the circumferential bearing portion et said head and arranged to engage the end of the tube, the inner end of said collar being arranged adjacent to the ends of the slots in said frame to permit the ends of the rollers to pass the same when the latter are moved radially, a thrustbearing carried by said head to limit the outivard movement of said collar, and a guard adjustably mounted on said collar and arranged to engage the tube sheet.

1l. In a device for expanding a tube in a tube sheet and comprising expanding rollers and a mandrel Yfor actuating the same, a frame having slots to receive said rollers and having a longitudinal bore to receive said mandrel, said frame also having a screw threaded outer end portion, a head screw threaded onto said outer end portion, having its outer end enlarged and having its inner end provided With a circumferential bearing surface, means Jfor rigidly securing said head in adjusted positions on said rame, a collar rotatabl)T mounted on the bearing surface of said head and arranged to engage the end of the tube, a thrust bearing interposed betvveen said collar and the enlarged outer portion of said head, a guard screw threaded onto said collar, and extending beyond the inner end thereof to engage the tube sheet, and means for rigidly securing said guard in adjusted positions with relation to said collar,

I In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature iereto.

GUSTAV WIEDEKE. 

